Termite Swarm Season in Parkland: What the Wings Mean
Every spring, somebody in Parkland walks into the kitchen and finds a pile of tiny wings under the window. Sometimes it's termites. Sometimes it's flying ants. The difference matters, and you can usually tell with a quick look.
Who swarms when
UF/IFAS gives a rough calendar for South Florida. Asian subterranean termites start in early March and swarm at dusk. Formosan subterranean termites follow from late April into early May. West Indian drywood termites swarm between April and July.
Swarm timing shifts a bit year to year with weather, but if you see swarmers between March and July, a termite is a real possibility.
- Early March on: Asian subterranean, at dusk
- Late April to early May: Formosan subterranean
- April to July: West Indian drywood
Termite or flying ant?
UF points out that people mix these up all the time. Here's the quick check. Termites have a thick waist with no pinch, straight antennae, and two pairs of wings that are about the same length and much longer than the body. Ants have a narrow pinched waist, elbowed antennae, and front wings that are longer than the back ones.
Termite wings also break off easily, which is why you find piles of loose wings. If all you have is wings, that leans termite.
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What to do right now
Don't spray them. The swarmers aren't the problem, the colony is. Vacuum them up after you save some. Put a few in a zip bag, or better, a small bottle with rubbing alcohol. Note where they came from: a window, a bathroom, a light fixture, a crack in the slab.
UF/IFAS runs a free termite identification service if you want an expert to look. You can also have a pest inspector look at them during the visit. Either way, identifying the species comes first, because subterranean and drywood termites are treated differently.
Inside or outside?
Swarmers coming out inside the house are the stronger sign. It means a colony is in the walls, the slab or the framing. Swarmers on the outside of the screen might have come from a neighbor's yard or a tree. Both deserve a look, but indoor swarms are the ones to call about right away. Next steps are on our subterranean termite and drywood termite pages.
Questions people ask
If the swarm stopped, is the problem gone?
No. The swarm is a short event. The colony keeps feeding all year, according to UF/IFAS.
Can I treat termites myself?
Small spot problems sometimes, but termites hide well. Get the species confirmed before you spend money on anything.